OJAI, Calif., Aug. 7 (Nationwide Times) — Jackie, the bald eagle associated with the Big Bear Valley nest-cam, remains in critical condition at the Ojai Raptor Center, where veterinarians are providing intensive care and testing for the cause of her illness.
The center’s latest reported update said Jackie’s packed cell volume, or PCV, had fallen to 13%. PCV measures the share of blood made up of red blood cells. A low result indicates anemia, a condition in which the blood carries less oxygen than normal. The drop followed an earlier increase from 8% to 16%.
Ojai Raptor Center said advanced diagnostic and expedited laboratory testing were underway. The center has not identified a confirmed cause for the anemia or the inflammation affecting Jackie’s kidneys.
What is known about Jackie’s treatment?
Jackie received a blood transfusion using blood from Spirit, a resident bald eagle at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield. The Ojai center described the transfusion as an important treatment milestone.
Earlier updates said Jackie was eating on her own, perching and showing more energy and alertness. Testing ruled out lead toxicosis and foreign objects, including fishing hooks, fishing line and weights. Results for other possible causes mentioned in earlier updates, including zinc or rodenticide exposure, were not provided in the information available.
The center previously reported that Jackie had moved from its intensive-care unit to a regular hospital care unit because she no longer needed oxygen therapy. Ojai Raptor Center stressed that the move did not mean she was out of danger. After the later decline in her PCV, the available updates do not establish whether she remains in that unit or has returned to intensive care.
How did Jackie arrive at the center?
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue team said it rescued an injured bald eagle after a fight with two other eagles and transported the bird to the Ojai Raptor Center. ABC News described the bird as presumed to be Jackie; the available reports do not provide definitive identification details.
Jackie was transferred to the Ojai facility in July after the reported fight. Her care has involved the center’s veterinary team, while Friends of Big Bear Valley has shared updates about her condition with the public.
What happens next?
Veterinarians are continuing to monitor Jackie’s blood levels and overall condition while seeking an explanation for the anemia and kidney inflammation. The Ojai Raptor Center has not provided a confirmed prognosis or release date in the latest information available.
The case connects several California communities: Big Bear Valley, where Jackie became known through the nest-cam; Ojai, where she is being treated; Los Angeles County, whose rescue team transported the injured eagle; and Bakersfield, where the transfusion donor is housed.
